Emotional Fitness
June 27, 2007
Emotions are responsible for who we are. Our mental framework depends our moods and temperament. If we are happy everything is wonderful and when its not then we cannot change those feelings of restlessness or unhappiness.
Being in love or experiencing euphoria because of a success is very uplifting. We wait eagerly to hear from the person we are in love with, desire to spend time with them, share things and cherish the good times. People say that one glows because they are in love. They feel powerful and have the positive attitude to attain anything.
But what about those who are not in love? Regular meditation helps in achieving this control. The thoughts, fears and emotional turbulence can be slowly controlled through various techniques in meditation. All one needs is a bit of patience and regular practice.
Emotional fitness is equally important as physical fitness. Very few people consider it that crucial. An emotionally fit person is capable of accomplishing every task with ease and without stress. He is in-charge and in control of the problem, knows its solution and willing to accomplish it.
©Nayna, 2007. All Rights Reserved.
Legends Of Lord Ganesh Part 3
June 27, 2007
Parashuram Meets Lord Ganesh:
According to Padma Purana, one day Parashuram, the favourite disciple of Lord Shiva came to see him at Mount Kailash. He was stopped at the door by Lord Ganesh.
“My father is sleeping. Come back later.” “I won’t wake him. I will pay my respects and leave quietly.”
Lord Ganesh, the caring son, was not going to let His father’s sleep get interrupted and refused to budge. Parashuram tried to push his way in, but failed. Soon the situation turned to blows. Their fight shook heaven. Sage Narada went to Kailash to find out what was the cause of this sudden turmoil. The gods who had assembled in the court of Indra wondered that was this a sign that the end was near? Sage Narada informed the gods that it was young Lord Ganesh fighting the mighty Parashuram. This shocked them and they all went to see this to believe it. They wondered that what Lila (Sport) Lord Shiva had in mind.
Meanwhile, the fight between the two valiant beings continued. Lord Ganesh used His mace and hit Parashuram, who toppled to the ground. No matter what weapons Lord Shiva’s disciple used, he was unable to match Lord Ganesh’s power. Then he pulled out the axe called Parshu. Lord Shiva had given him this weapon pleased with his penance. Parashuram closed his eyes and chanted the mantra of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, then aimed his weapon at Lord Ganesh. Our Lord heard the divine chants and with humility accepted the blow. The force of this blow broke His tusk into two pieces and Lord Ganesh shrieked in pain.
Goddess Parvati’s maternal instincts knew that her son was in danger and came out to see what had happened. She was seething with anger at the sight of his broken tusk. She questioned all the gathered gods that who had the audacity to hurt her young son. When she found out who the culprit was, she decided to cut off Parashuram’s arms.
Lord Shiva intervened. He tried to calm the Goddess and said that she was the universal mother. She should forgive Parashuram as he was also her son. But she was still upset and accused Shiva of favoring his disciple over his son. Lord Brahma explained that the person who is initiated by a guru, he reveres his guru just as he would revere god. Parvati asked that how Parashuram could then hurt his guru’s son?
Lord Ganesh broke His silence. He said that He had taken the blow on purpose. Everyone was stunned. He said that when Parashuram silently chanted and sought the blessings of His father and Lord Krishna, He could not fight him, as He was a part of Lord Krishna too. So He took the blow on His tusk. Parvati hugged her son and said that among the many names that her son had, the name Ekadanta would be added to it. But she still felt that her son had suffered.
Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and the consort of Lord Vishnu was also present. She said that henceforth, prayers to her would be incomplete until everyone first prayed to Ekadanta. Everyone gathered cheered and accepted Goddess Laxmi’s proclamation.
This story helps us understand that we should have reverence towards our parents, elders and the learned. The virtue of humility should be incorporated in our dealings, even if we have to go an extra mile or endure physical hardships.
©Nayna, 2007. All Rights Reserved.
Legends Of Lord Ganesh Part 2
June 26, 2007
There are innumerable stories about Lord Ganesh. We have tried our best to translate some of them and post them here. We hope it helps and brings us closer to our Lord and we can become better devotees.
The Avatar Of Ekadanta:
This incarnation of Ganesh has all the elements of Brahma Tattva (Elements of the Brahma) in His body. He defeated the demon Madasura and rides a mouse. Once there was a valiant demon, Madasura who was the son of Maharishi Chyawan. One day, he took his father’s permission to visit the Guru (Mentor) of the demons, Shukracharya. He prostrated in front of Shukracharya and asked him to make him his disciple.
“I want to be the ruler of this entire cosmos,” said Madasura. “To fulfill this, please assist and guide me.”
Shukracharya was immensely pleased with this young demon’s resolution. According to vidhis (Methods and Rituals of worship) the knowledgeable teacher gave him a Shakti Mantra – Hreem Beejashara. The disciple touched his Guru’s feet to take his blessings and went to the forest to meditate. He concentrated on Mother Bhagwati and spent thousands of years in hard penance. His penance was so intense that his body turned into a living ground for white ants. Trees started growing around him and their branches bore fruits and so did Madasura’s tapasya (Austerity).
Mother Bhagwati was immensely pleased with his heartfelt and sincere penance and she manifested. She blessed him that he would be the ruler of the cosmos and will always maintain good health. Madasura first established his empire on earth and then progressed towards heaven. He defeated Indra, the king of the gods and declared himself as the worthy ruler. He married Pramdarasura’s daughter, Salsa and had three sons. Soon the demons oppressive rule spread like wild fire and all the pious activities on earth came to an end. The pain and torture of the demonic power was endless. The gods were distraught. They approached Sanat Kumar and implored him to find a solution. Sanat Kumar advised that all of gods should do Upasana (Pray) of Ekadanta with pure devotion and He would surely fulfill their wishes.
All the learned saints and the entire Devgan (Dev-God, Gan-clan) gathered and collectively worshipped Ekadanta. Their prayers were answered after hundred years and the Lord appeared riding a mouse and asked them for a boon. “O Lord, Madasura’s rule has destroyed heaven and has made it impure. All of mankind has been corrupted with their evil deeds. Please help us to end this tyranny and protect us with your grace.”
The Devrishis (Learned Ascetics) sent Madasura a warning that Lord Ekadanta has given the gods a boon. The Lord would fight Madasura in a battle and that would lead to his annihilation. Madasura ignored them. He gathered a massive army and marched towards the battleground. Lord Ekadanta met him on the way. The demons saw Him in a fierce form, riding on His mouse and His hands were clutching with gleaming weapons.
“Go and tell your Master if he wants to stay alive then he has stop this enmity with the gods,” said Ekadanta in a booming voice to the demon soldiers. “Return the gods their kingdoms or be ready to embrace death.”
Madasura remained adamant. The moment he raised his bow and tried to place his arrow, Lord’s Parashu (Axe) instantly hit him and the demon king fell down unconscious. After a while, he regained his senses and realized Lord Ekadanta is the all-pervading Lord. He humbly folded his hands and said, “O Lord, please forgive me and bless me with unflinching devotion.”
Lord Ekadanta was pleased and said, “Wherever there are devotees who pray and sing my glories with sincerity, you will not reside there. Henceforth you will live in Patal Lok (Nether World).”Madasura accepted the Lord’s wishes and returned Swarga Lok (Heaven) to the gods. Everyone rejoiced and sang the praises of Lord Ekadanta. Dharma (Path of Righteousness) prevailed again, embracing peace and happiness in its welcoming arms.
©Nayna, 2007. All Rights Reserved.
